Articles by: Soccer Fan

Soccer Ball (Football) Sizes Explained:

Understanding Soccer Ball (Football) sizes:

Disclaimer:

We understand that the majority of the world refers to this game as Football, we love the game as well and have great respect for it. However in terms of improving communication, we will refer to the football as a soccer ball as well.

Ok, so let’s discuss soccer ball (or better known as Football around the globe) sizes today and finally get to the bottom and answer all your questions about soccer ball sizes. To start out with, we have a soccer ball size 5 (for adults), soccer ball size 4 (for 8-12 year olds), a soccer ball size 3 (for kids under 8), and a size “mini” or a “promotional” soccer ball.

We can get into specifics later in this post, but for now let me explain why there are so many different soccer ball sizes. The reason for the different soccer ball sizes is mainly for the development of young players. It is the soccer federations around the world that have set these soccer ball size standards to follow, so yes you can blame them. One main reason is that the size of the soccer ball can impact the development of young players and their safety. For example, a 5-year-old getting hit with a soccer ball size 5 ball would be hurting a lot more compared to a size 3 ball (much smaller).

Another reason for the soccer ball sizing standards is that a young child will have a difficult time manipulating and kicking around a larger soccer ball, so they are allowed to play with the smaller balls. And finally, the other reason is that kids can actually hurt their ligaments and tendons if they start kicking a larger ball then what their body is prepared for. More on that later. Let’s take a look at the soccer ball sizes and how they compare.

Soccer Ball Size 5Specifications

​Soccer Ball Size 5 Air Pressure:

A size 5 soccer ball has a recommended pressure of 0.6 BAR labeled on it. The BAR is a unit of pressure defined as 100 kilopascals. It is about equal to the atmospheric pressure on Earth at sea level. To convert BAR in Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI), multiply 0.6 times 14.5037. The answer is 8.7 PSI or Lbs. You will see this throughout the article so I thought we should explain it early on.

A size 5 soccer ball has a recommended pressure of 0.6 BAR labeled on it. The BAR is a unit of pressure defined as 100 kilopascals. It is about equal to the atmospheric pressure on Earth at sea level. To convert BAR in Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI), multiply 0.6 times 14.5037. The answer is 8.7 PSI or Lbs. You will see this throughout the article so I thought we should explain it early on.

Soccer Ball Size 5 and Weight:

The size 5 soccer ball weighs between 14-16 ounces with a circumference of 27-28 inches 69 to 71 cm)

The Size 4 soccer ball weighs between 12-13 ounces and have a circumference of 25-26 inches

Soccer Ball Size 3

Soccer Ball Size 3 Air Pressure:

8.5-15.6 PSI 0.6-1.1 bar.

The size 3 soccer ball has a circumference of 23-24 inches and a weight of 11-12 ounces.

Soccer ball sizes by age

US Youth Soccer recommends that players 8 and younger play with a size 3 soccer ball. Size 3 soccer ball is the official soccer ball for toddlers and young children. The majority of children using the size 3 soccer ball include U-6, U-7, & U-8 boys and girls.

Kindergartners, Toddlers, and younger should play with either a size 3 soccer ball or a smaller soccer ball which are normally used for promotional events. The size 3 soccer ball should be fine for Kindergarten and Toddlers. The size 3 soccer ball is usually small enough in size and weight to help the young toddler improve as a player without major risk of injury.

One thing to be careful with when choosing a soccer ball size for the younger youth soccer players, such as toddlers and kindergartners, is using a bigger heavier ball like a size 5 soccer ball. The issue with having young kids kick a large and heavy soccer ball is that their ligaments are not prepared for the force and tension their young legs will take when kicking a large size 5 soccer ball. A good soccer passing and shooting technique requires an awkward motion from young players and with too much weight of a soccer ball, the youth soccer player could be at risk of injury. Choose wisely when selecting what soccer ball sizes to purchase.

High School soccer players in the United States use a size 5 soccer ball. They use the size 5 soccer ball from Middle School on through High School as the majority of the children are 13 and older.

In 1863 the first soccer ball size specifications were completed by the Football Association. In In 1872 the specifications were revised by FIFA and have not changed since then. By this time Charles Goodyear had already introduced Vulcanization to treat the rubber and improve the performance of the soccer ball. Since then there have been many improvements to the performance of a soccer ball, but the soccer ball sizes have stayed the same.

World Cup Soccer Balls size 5

As you may have guessed the world cup has been using a size 5 soccer ball since the very first World Cup in Uruguay in 1930. What you didn’t know was that there were two balls used in that world cup, each team brought their own size 5 soccer ball and played one half with each. Since the soccer ball sizes, standards, and specifications were not very “standardized” back the, both teams complained about the performance of the opposite teams size 5 soccer ball.

In the 1970 World Cup, Adidas introduced the widely-known size 5 soccer ball, the Telstar. It was the first time a black and white, hand sewn, 32 panel soccer ball was used in a World Cup. Adidas has supplied every soccer ball for the world cup ever since.

In 2014 Brazil fans chose the name of the size 5 Brazuca soccer ball. This was the first time the fans named the soccer ball for the World Cup.

The Futsal Ball

Why so many questions about the Futsal Ball or known as balon de Sala in other countries. Although Futsal was first invented back in Uruguay in 1937, the game Futsal has just recently started getting popular in the US, England, Australia, and other english speaking countries. The game has been extremely popular in South America, Spain, Portugal, and a few other European countries. Numerous Asian countries have really started getting into Futsal as well. Brazil is no longer the only Futsal loving country, Futsal has now taken over the world and has quickly become one of the hottest sports in the US and around the world.

So lets get into the details of the futsal ball, which is why you are here. Lets start out with one of the greatest and biggest myth about the Futsal ball… the futsal ball is “heavier”. We had a parent once say that they didn’t want their child playing futsal because the futsal ball was too heavy and they were afraid that the ball would hurt their child…

Unlike some myths, a Futsal ball is not necessarily a heavier ball. It is, however, different. After speaking to a few futsal ball manufacturers, I learned the futsal ball is stuffed with cotton. This makes the ball seem heavier, but since the ball is smaller than a regular soccer ball, the futsal ball actually weights LESS than a regular size soccer ball. Imagine that… but myths travel far.

The Futsal ball, which is known for its reduced bounce or “low-bounce” futsal ball, is smaller than a normal outdoor soccer ball and just a tad heavier. According to FIFA, the specifications are as follows for a size 4 futsal ball, which is also known as SENIOR futsal ball and the largest ball in futsal.

• Futbal ball Material: Leather or other suitable material such as synthetic leather.

Now lets look at a normal soccer ball or the size 5 that is used to play by professional teams.

Soccer Ball Dimensions and Properties

Soccer ball Size: #5

Soccer ball Circumference: 68 - 70 cm or 27 - 28 inches

Soccer ball Weight: 410 - 450 grams OR 14 -16 oz

Soccer ball bounce: 108 - 110 cm on first bounce

Soccer Ball Material: made of leather or other suitable material such as synthetic leather

Futsal Ball and Soccer Ball Sizes:

As you can tell from the two tables, the futsal ball is about 6-8 cm smaller than a regular size #5 soccer ball. There is no question about this and we feel everyone already knows this.

Futsal Ball and Soccer ball circumference:

The Futsall ball is about 20 to 60 grams lighter than your average soccer ball. So the person who always says “the futsal ball is heavier” is completely wrong. Your kid could very well be playing with a soccer ball that is about 60 grams heavier than the futsal ball. Even though the futsal ball is stuffed with cotton, foam, or some other material, the materials used to stuff the futsal ball are very light and won’t have much of an impact on the weight of the ball.

Futsal Ball and Soccer ball bounce:

The bounce of a #5 soccer ball is about twice as much as the bounce of a futsal ball. The futsal ball will have less air because its smaller and due to the stuffing inside the ball. For this reason the soccer ball will normally bounce about twice as high on the first bounce as the futsal ball.

Futsal Ball and soccer ball materials:

Both balls are normally manufactured with an outer cover made of leather or synthetic leather or other suitable material like plastic, nylon, rubber, etc.

The Futsal Ball properties:

These are specifically designed to build confidence and develop skill and technique of the futsal player and soccer player. This was the thought process of the inventor of futsal in Uruguay. So how does a Futsal ball help you ask? When a Futsal ball is received, it virtually ’sticks’ to the foot of the player due to its low bounce properties. This also means that a player is able to dribble a futsal ball in traffic since it won’t be bouncing all over the place. The specifications of the futsal also aid in tight spaces when rapid passes are made repeatedly. The players are able to make quicker passes due to less bounce.

Futsal Ball Pros:

Interestingly, that same property which makes the futsal ball easy to receive makes it more difficult to strike a powerful shot. Since the futsal ball is heavier, players must quickly get acquainted with the qualities of a good technique, which is bending the knee, turning the hips, and striking the ball firmly to drive it.

Many countries and coaches around the world also claim that smaller size futsal ball encourages more precise striking of the ’sweet spot’ of the futsal ball. A player must lock the ankle and strike the ball correctly in order to get a good shot. Players who don’t strike the ball correctly get immediate feedback by seeing the soft shot. If one works during the offseason on striking a Futsal ball, then a larger bouncier ball is struck with greater confidence and authority in the 11 a side game.

A Futsal ball also assists in gradually eliminating the ’lazy pass’. Constant passes and experience with the futsal ball will eventually assist in translating those techniques outdoors with a soccer ball. This translates into a firmer and longer pass appropriate for the bigger field with grass (synthetic or artificial) which slows it down.

All these factors make the futsal ball the ideal tool for training and developing soccer players. The futsal ball is perfect for kids to use inside the home as a dribbling game. Since the ball has less bounce, the futsall ball will be easier to control on the ground inside the residence. If the futsal ball is kicked or bounces off the wall, it will travel less since it has less bounce.

Baden and Adidas Futsal Balls

The Baden Futsal ball is one of the most durable and well performing futsal balls out there. It has a great leather cover that is durable on gy floors and concrete. It will last even longer on a futsal court. You can usually get this one on Amazon.

Cool Soccer Balls

Cool Soccer balls come in all different colors, sizes, and yes shapes (more on that later). Someone once said, “you can’t play ball without a ball…”, so today we get into what we consider some of the coolest balls on the planet. We are not going just on design, but more on functionality. Since there are so many cool soccer ball designs, it would take years to find the coolest soccer ball designs. Nike alone brings out about 200 different designs every year, well you get the point. I’ve compiled a list of some of the coolest soccer balls known to mankind as of today.

By Cool Soccer balls we are talking about a soccer ball that goes above and beyond your regular soccer ball. Not only do these cool soccer balls bring about joy through games, but they are also a little different than your normal regular soccer balls.

They are randomly ordered, so we don’t prefer one over the other and this is not a review of the coolest soccer balls ever, but rather for informational purposes. Sometimes parents or friends of soccer loving players want to purchase a cool soccer ball that is different than what that player may already have at home.

Ok remember we said earlier that the cool soccer balls come in different shapes…. Well this is the reason. Usually all of the cool soccer balls are round… except this little cool soccer ball, the hover ball. This is actually half of a soccer ball, with a plastic bottom to help it glide on the floor. Although it’s a super cool soccer ball… it does not “hover” so don’t get your hopes up. It does “glide” on the floor and it won’t scratch the wood floors so don’t worry. It also glides on the carpet.

It’s a cool little soccer ball to have around if you don’t want your kids bouncing balls in the house. AND it can also help with ball control. Our kids use this cool little soccer ball in the home and practice controlling the ball with the sole of their foot, something that is used very effectively in futsal.You can also play a small sided game of soccer with the hover ball. So for the low price and its purpose, the hover ball is definitely a cool soccer ball and now you know why it made our list of cool soccer balls!

The glow in the dark soccer ball is one of the coolest soccer balls ever. Who doesn’t love a glow in the dark soccer ball? Even non soccer players will think the glow in the dark soccer ball is cool.

These Light Up LED Soccer Ball Black Limited Edition Glow in the dark soccer balls are quite technologically advanced. The led lights are impact activated and stay on while playing the game. So it’s not just a ball that glows, these are lights which are powered by two Hi Bright LED’s that are a nice fit inside the soccer ball. Some balls are “Impact Activated” which allows it to stay lit while playing, no On & Off Switch to break!

Yes you can play with it at night and the cool soccer ball will glow, but remember that it must be played in the dark. So even though you won’t be able to see where the goals are, or your teammates, or even the pitch, you can still kick around a nice cool Light Up LED Soccer Ball Black Limited Edition glow in the dark soccer ball. Ideally it’s used more for just pick up games in your backyard. Or maybe just hanging out with friends and doing some juggling or dribblig. It’s obviously unsafe to play in complete darkness, but an actual soccer ball that lights up is a really cool invention and we can all agree it should be on the list of cool soccer balls. Below are two of my favorite.

Ok, We wish this one had been around when we were kids. This cool soccer ball is made by Baden and you get to create your own drawings on it! Wield the power of creativity with the Baden Sports Color Your Own Soccer Ball. Like a textured canvas, the ball is white and edged with designs to bring out the artist within your soccer player. You can color or decorate the ball as desired! Its cushioned and the synthetic construction allows for a soft feel while remaining durable for all your games. The markers are included with this amazing cool soccer ball. It also makes a fun and interactive gift for children of all ages.

Look what others are saying about it “Our 6-year old grandson loves the ball he decorated. He and his older brother had a great time creating their masterpiece”. I have not purchased one of these cool soccer balls before, but I am definitely thinking about it. We think it’s probably better for kids under 10. If you are looking to get your child hooked on a cool soccer ball, this Baden ball may be it!

Baden Coloring Soccer Ball

Have you seen this ball? It’s an incredible idea of a cool soccer ball that was created. This is an Ultra-durable cool soccer ball. The manufacturers claim that a single ball can outlast many traditional inflated balls. Here are some more reasons why this is a cool soccer ball.

Never needs a pump and never goes flat…. even when punctured! Built to withstand the harshest environments but plays great on turf and grass, too Same size and weight as a standard soccer ball, available in adult size 5 and a youth size 4 To top it off, every time you buy one of these cool soccer balls you are supporting a play project for an organization working with youth in a disadvantaged community. How can this ball not be considered one of the coolest soccer balls of all time!!

The cool ultra-durable soccer ball that plays on and on — anywhere and everywhere. The One World Futbol ball eliminates the need for pumps and needles and the waste of worn-out or broken balls. A single One World Futbol ball can withstand the toughest environments in the world and lasts for years without maintenance, according to the manufacturer.

This cool soccer ball is designed to play on hard surfaces like streets, playgrounds, blacktops, rocky landscapes and dirt lots — but it plays great on sand and turf, too. It is the perfect ball for street soccer, pick-up games, soccer practice and a great way to get out and get exercise.

And then just when you think this ball doesn’t get any cooler, you find out that others are buying this cool soccer ball to play with their dog as well!! Look at what a reviewer said about this cool soccer ball, “Like some others, I didn’t buy this ball to play soccer, but to play with my dog. He goes crazy for soccer balls, and has popped/chewed/destroyed every single one he’s gotten his paws on. This is the first ball, whether made for dogs, sports, artillery, or any other purpose, that actually lives up to its indestructible claim. All of the balls we’ve tried in the pet toy aisle are either 1) made of very tough rubber or foam and last for a while, but inevitably deflate or get torn apart, or 2) made of hard plastic that my dog can’t bite into and play with”.

We better stop writing about this cool little soccer ball before it gets any fancier! On to the next one.

This is not necessarily a ball, but it’s an item that allows you to turn any regular soccer ball into a cool soccer ball. The Training Soccer Ball or Chord, allows you to do this by purchasing the elastic cord which is normally included and wrapping the net around the ball. I bought this when I was younger and absolutely loved it! It’s a cool soccer ball especially for kids who are motivated to train, but don’t have the space and/or friends to play with.

You can work on all of your soccer skills with this ball and it always comes back to you when you kick it because the other half of the bungee chord is attached to your waist or wrist! Never have to chase down your bad shots again! Come on that alone makes this soccer invention part of the cool soccer balls list.

The futsal ball may not be an exact soccer ball per se, but it looks like a soccer ball, it rolls like a soccer ball, it feels like a soccer ball, it scores goals like a soccer ball, only major difference is that a futsal ball will have less bounce. The futsal ball is a cool soccer ball because you can use it indoors and since it has less bounce, this cool soccer futsal ball won’t be breaking things in the home, or bouncing all over the walls and ceilings while playing indoors on hard surfaces.

We recommend a cool futsal ball for those kids who will be using it to dribble indoors, like inside their home or inside a gym. We also recommend it for those who play futsal or are training in futsal…. like the world’s best players. Because the futsal ball is so versatile and allows you to play indoors, we consider it one of several cool futsal balls..

Ok another oddly shaped soccer ball, but still a cool soccer ball. Not to mention you can fit a person inside of it. This cool soccer ball allows you to play a form of soccer, called Bumper Soccer and several other games that you can make up in your backyard or with your soccer loving friends.

These cool soccer balls are made of pvc material, they are, durable,nontoxic,washable and reusable for the most part. We have used one before, but have not purchased any. They are mostly used (and rented) for parties or even Bubble Soccer leagues, yes they exist! The Cool Bubble soccer Ball is perfect for family get together,birthday bash,end of season party,social sports gathering, bachelor party, even bachelorette party.There’s a lot of bumping, bouncing, rolling and laughing both from the spectators and the participator. You and your friends will be laughing for days after talking about the event.

Did I miss any that you think are cool? I know there are many cool soccer ball designs out there, but I wanted to go with the cool soccer balls themselves and what makes them cool and unique. Every year Nike and Adidas come out with cool soccer balls, so I know that they are excellent, but I wanted to bring out the cool soccer ball inventions in this post as well. But since I have so much respect for the new soccer balls as well, here are the coolest soccer balls of 2017 as well!

La Liga Football: Swoosh and La Liga extended their partnership until at least 2019. The new La Liga 2016/17 Ball features the LFP logo instead of the Liga BBVA logo after the Spanish bank announced that they will not remain the main sponsor for the Spanish 1st and 2nd divisions. The new Nike Ordem 4 2016-2017 La Liga Ball carries a spectacular design that draws inspiration from the colors of the Spanish flag. You can quickly find the official match ball for La Liga or the Spanish Football League at Amazon. The mainly white Cool soccer ballcomes with a unique yellow and black line graphic pattern that is combined with bold blue applications to create a design that really stands out. We’ve definitely seen much of this cool soccer ball already on the pitch. The kids love the colors and many parents have purchased this cool soccer ball for their child’s training.

Nike is also the ball supplier for Italian Seria A and the Premier League. This is what Nike says about the Cool soccer ball the Ordem 4. “Developed for elite footballers, the Ordem 4 has been refined around three key elements: construction, material and graphics…..the ball’s graphics follow the design principle of “Flow Motion,” applying a luminance that ensures excellent visibility while the ball is in play”. And there you have it, one of the coolest soccer balls you will see in 2017, the Nike Ordem 4.

Soccer is considered by millions of fans as the best sport in the world. Big-time championships draw enthusiasts of the sport by the thousands and some would even argue that the game ranks better in terms of the show and excitement than any other popular sport.

However, the game would be nothing without a perfectly-crafted soccer ball. The ball should have all the right features in order to function as a match ball in the game. In this review, we are going to see whether Select’s Royale ball has what it takes to be a tournament ball.

Features

Includes standard 32-panel design

Has hand-sewn polyurethane cover for a firm touch and excellent durability

Has glossy finish

Has the brand’s Zero-wing latex bladder for exceptional bounce

Meets NFHS, NCAA, and IMS standards

For better performance, control and feel in each and every field and weather condition

Includes 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

Ball ships deflated

Advantages

The Royale by Select has been given improvements 2 years ago and even though it might be a tad difficult distinguishing some of the changes made in its graphics, there were actually several understated additions on the ball that fans and players did like. The ball still possesses the standard 32-panel design, is hand-stitched and is covered by 1.8 mm polyurethane synthetic leather.
According to the company, the balls are softer than the original, have better quality and are nearly weather-resistant. Furthermore, the company does not utilize foam in the manufacture of their balls since the material can interrupt the balance and flight pattern of the balls.
Another primary feature of the ball is its hand-stitched characteristics. Hand-sewn ones mean there are concealed seams on it that are rock-solid and durable. The hand-sewn method is actually the top choice among players and enthusiasts alike since exposed ones are more susceptible to wear and tear and thermal bonding can be unreliable at times.
In terms of performance, we have noticed that as soon as we play with the ball, that the product is steady and has a superb quality feel to it. The ball performs decently when it comes to long passes and short ones. It also displayed excellent rebound.
Juggling and dribbling the ball feels pleasant and it is easy, making the whole thing airborne. Its surface is smooth and quite slick that the ball does not have that tendency to stick to your feet while at play. This one is due to the ball’s excellent structure. It was easy to deal with, even though it was a bit heavy compared to other balls.
Regarding its flight pattern, yes, it has a predictable flight; however, the ball might be a challenge to control whenever the player strikes longer shots. Making the ball plunge and arc was tricky, but then you have to spend a bit more time learning how the ball flies. But if we were to choose between a ball that’s a challenge to curve compared to a model that is unpredictable, we will choose the former.
The ball is also approved by the IMS, NCAA and the NFHS, which is a good choice for individuals who want to get into legitimate soccer tourneys.

Disadvantages

The Royale does have a few setbacks. Its colorways are white, but it succumbs to scratches easily, thus after frequent use you may have a ball that is scuffed quite a lot. Maybe the company can come up with more colors for this product.
The ball also displayed some issues containing air. We found out that we need to inflate the ball for at least once every 7 days.

Verdict

Select Sport America’s Royale model is a high-performance, quality ball that will last for a longer period of time. I would easily suggest this ball to anybody who wants a ball that has consistency and predictability at a price they can afford. This is a product that ranks high when it comes to affordable soccer balls, so it’s excellent value for your money!

Months ago, France hosted this year’s UEFA European Championships. This is a month-long tournament of the best soccer teams in the world and since this is a top-level match, it requires an excellent ball.

Fortunately, Adidas is more than willing to gather the technology and the best engineers in their team to lay out the groundwork for a soccer ball that meets the demands of skilled players and plenty of pressure in the field. We will talk more about a particular Adidas model, the Beau Jeu, in this review.

Features

A part of the Euro 2016 lineup and official tournament ball in the UEFA European Championships

Thermally bonded for a smooth, sleek surface

Has Adidas’ TSBE technology for a more guaranteed trajectory, improved touch and lesser water absorption

Cover, bladder, and backing are made with first-rate materials, enabling great performance

Advantages

UEFA’s Euro 2016 ball was Adidas’ Beau Jeu. The ball had similar characteristics as the brand’s Brazuca—it bears the latter’s 6 PU panels which were thermally-bonded collectively. Due to this 6-panel set-up, it has the flawless roundness which guarantees the ball of excellent, stable flight.

The Beau Jeu has a texture that is a bit coarse unlike the Brazuca. This rougher texture allows for a more improved grip and this hinder a certain movement called knuckling. This knuckling movement is responsible for leading the ball to unpredictable collisions and dives.

Because of the said texture, the ball is a lot easier for players to handle.It also includes a fiberglass print which minimizes the odds of scratches on its printed layers and in turn hinders a causal sequence on the movement qualities.

This match ball is also fitted-out even better and can endure wet conditions since its external shell is more water-resistant compared with its forerunners.

The tournament ball must have sufficient characteristics on it to signify the host nation, which was France. The design includes country’s three national colors. The ball is predominantly white and it makes use of blue and red streaks beside sleek silver edges which represent the highly-coveted Euro prize. The vivid orange highlights enhance airborne visibility for the players of the game.

Also featured throughout the ball’s panels are the letters/numbers ‘E’, ‘U’, ‘R’, ‘O’ and ‘2’, ‘0’, ‘1’, ‘6’. The name of the ball, on the other hand, is derived from a French term which means “nice game.” This was said to be a term that is connected with the sport.

The ball is quick and it features a solid bladder, a potent uniformity in touch and it has that durable feel throughout as long as it is treated in an appropriate manner. It is capable of performing over encumbering weather conditions and above all, the ball is consistent when it comes to flight.

The majority of customers who were satisfied that they bought the ball all agreed they would recommend the item to any soccer fan or a player.

Disadvantages

When it comes to quality, this one does not scrimp. Thus, there really is nothing to criticize about with this particular ball. This one, after all, was slated to become the official ball of a prestigious, month-long championship game. Tight research and rigorous tests were done on this model before it was approved by the authorities of the sport.

Verdict

The Adidas UEFA Euro 2016 Official Match Soccer Ball or the Beau Jeu is another beautiful output from renowned sports gear giant Adidas. If you are a serious player of the sport, this is something that you have to check out. Those who seek a soccer ball with pro-level/tournament-level characteristics will never be disappointed with this model.

We highly recommend investing your money in this ball if you want a ball that has all the aspects that pro players require.

Playing soccer will entail the use of a ball. In order to play the game effortlessly, apart from the needed skills, we have to make use of quality soccer balls. In this article, we are going to discuss the Phantom model from the Brine brand, which is another known manufacturer of sporting goods. The brand, apart from soccer balls, also manufactures a range of soccer gear and accessories.

The Brine Phantom in particular, according to some customers, is a great ball that can be used for real matches. It features the AirTech synthetic bladder to sustain air retention and it also comes with a 3-year guarantee.

Features

Has glossy, scratch-resistant PU covering

Brine AirTech bladder system is capable of containing air 10 times longer than standard latex

Is sewn by hand

Has 3-year warranty

Advantages

Soccer balls are drawn up and manufactured particularly for a variety of purposes. There are plenty of brands that manufacture sports gear and it is important to have sufficient knowledge about the kind of soccer ball that one needs.

Brine is a sports gear company that produces soccer balls, and this particular product, the Phantom, as shared by satisfied customers, has what it takes to be a good ball for a match. There had been a number of playoffs and championship games that have endorsed Phantom as its official ball.

The Phantom has exceptional construction and it can meet pro players’ demands. It is capable of moving effortlessly with players’ hits and strikes. On rough conditions, the ball is capable of enduring pressure due to its abrasion-resistant PU cover and Brine AirTech bladder system.

The cover is polyurethane thus it can endure plenty of abuse and is hand-stitched as well. Due to the materials and the quality of the construction, the ball appears to be durable and advantageous.

The AirTech bladder system of the product is utilized for facilitating air retention and a softer touch. It has an overall measurement of 12 x 12 x 10 inches and it has a weight of 4 pounds. The balls’ specs do complement the standards that are required for professional soccer.

Another great thing about this product is the fact that it is backed by a 3-year guarantee, which speaks highly of the trust that the company has on their ball. The player then can engage himself or herself in long hours of practice using the Phantom.

The ball is also approved by the NFHS and because of this certification, it means it has exceeded the number of quality analysis and testing. Furthermore, the ball can be customized too, which is a good thing for some. It is available in sizes 4 and 5. The former is available in the black color only while the size 5 can be had in several color combos.

Customers who were satisfied with the Phantom shared that the ball indeed does very well and it can be used by the pros. According to one customer, its polyurethane-coated synthetic leather cover guarantees durability and it can endure a beating on the field.

There were also others who commented that the NFHS approval lead them to purchase the item while some liked that it can be customized easily.

Disadvantages

There are no setbacks on this product thus far. It has matched the needs of customers who bought the ball.

Verdict

The Brine Phantom is successful at complementing the strict standards attributed to playing the game at a pro level. It is constructed excellently, is made from prime grade PU and synthetic leather and can be customized.

Many customers were satisfied with their purchase and added that they will recommend the ball to anybody who is looking for a dependable soccer ball. It has exceeded the number of rigorous tests which makes it commendable as a ball for practice, tournaments, and even professional level games. This is a product that is worth the money you spend, hence, this should be your next sure buy.

Soccer, also known as football, has gathered plenty of fans all over the world. There are tons of teams who play the game in different countries and the biggest tournaments of the sport congregate fans in stadiums by the thousands.

Schools and universities in each country all have their own soccer teams too, and this speaks highly on how the sport is received. Some will even say that soccer trumps other popular sports like basketball when it comes to excitement and show. The basic element of any soccer game is the soccer ball.

Therefore, in this review we are going to tackle Select’s Numero 10 model. Read up for more information about the product.

Features

A part of the Select Club Series line-up meant for club matches and training

Has standard 32-panel design

Includes hand-sewn FPUS 1500 synthetic leather casing for durability

Has a glossy finish for withstanding resistance and excellent appearance

Has zero-wing latex bladder for bounce

Includes butyl valve for airtightness and shape maintenance

Meets standards required by NFHS and the NCAA

Approved by the IMS (International Matchball Standard)

Includes 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

Advantages

There are contemporary soccer balls which are designed with lesser panels and because of this, you might witness plenty of movement that may catch your eye. The company knows that the 32-panel design is still the best when it comes to soccer ball structure, thus the Numero 10 has it.

Located under the panels are fewer foam cushioning. This foaming is set up with a first-rate quality latex bladder, which aids in the movement of the ball. To guarantee that the player will acquire a steady feel all over the surface of the ball, the company has provided the item with a sunken valve. This helps in making players get a better grip on the ball while striking.

Every panel of the ball is composed of a significantly thick microfiber PU material which feels nearly like artificial leather. The external material’s thickness contributes to the overall durability of the ball, but it also translates to more break-in period. You will notice that when you give the ball its first hit, you will feel its stiffness.

Start juggling the ball and you’ll notice that it can be a bit hard to the touch. This is due to the fact that it requires more breaking in, but as soon as you give it a few significant hits, the ball will feel much better to handle.

Because the ball does not have plenty of padding, you will notice a slight sound during a pass or a strike. In addition, the ball displayed some predictable movement. This means that whenever players hit the ball, you will know how the ball will react to such movements.

Another great quality of the ball is that the item is approved by the NFSH or the National Federation of High Schools and it also meets the standards of the FIFA IMS or International Match Ball Standard. Due to the trust of the company in the design and the production, the ball comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Disadvantages

The only bad thing about the Numero 10 is that its size 4 model is not approved by the NCAA, the NFHS, and the IMS.

Verdict

Select’s Numero 10 is a keeper, so if you want a ball that is affordable and meets major sports organization standards, then make sure to head out and purchase this model. This is an excellent club and training level ball. It is available in a range of colors and sizes, so you can choose the ball that will suit you best.

Soccer balls, those that are tournament-level, pass rigid standards to provide a great game for players, and in turn, the players will be able to provide an exciting show for the fans. Adidas Brazuca Top Glider is one of the best balls and is made with a total of 6 thermally bonded panels for enhanced consistency.

Due to the popularity of the model, there are now replicas available and in this review, we are going to discuss the replica version of the Brazuca Top Glider.

Features

Color and panel design take after the Official Match Ball

Features machine-sewn structure and internal wound carcass for durability and softer texture

Includes TPU exterior material designed to withstand scratches and abrasions

Has butyl bladder for excellent air retention

Available in sizes 3, 4 and 5

Advantages

The original Adidas Brazuca Top Glider has a distinctive and beautiful design. It’s rather strange paneling and the incorporation of hues on it is at this time never seen on majority of soccer balls. This particular model, in fact, has a moderately smaller size 5, but it still produces a top notch performance.

The ball provides a great flight and there are no unusual movements that come from it; it does what it is supposed to do during a match. It flies quicker than any expensive ball, though, which makes the Brazuca Top Glider more special and coveted by avid soccer players and fans.

As mentioned earlier, the Brazuca Top Glider that we will be tackling in this review is not the genuine artifact. This is pretty much a copy and is not the ball that is employed in the World Cup. It’s just a regular ball that can be used during practice at home, as one familiarizes himself or herself with the workings of a soccer ball.

This one indeed possesses the genuine ball’s Brazuca panel pattern and it has that distinctive appearance that gives the original its identification.

However, if you look closely into the ball, you will certainly notice several primary differences. While original game balls undergo lots of rigorous research and tests, replicas do not. This is a copy, which is okay, but it is not that high-quality, advanced model from Adidas. The soccer balls that are used in real tournaments are not sewn, they are actually thermally bonded.

This ball is stitched and a machine-sewn. And while it does have parts where it showed good stitching, the majority of the work done was subpar.

Disadvantages

We have discussed some of the failings of the model in the first part of the article and we’ll continue with what customers have to say about it. It does not feature that distinctive grip and airflow that the original possesses. And as many customers have shared in other reviews, this particular replica displayed poor quality.

Then again, it does bear the original ball’s appearance but when it comes to performance, it does nil. Overall, it’s a good practice ball at home, but not in the field.

According to one customer, the paint on the ball came off, which speaks for its quality. The panels that the ball was provided with were not even on a number of parts. Another customer added that for some odd reason, the ball was not capable of spinning.

All in all, the replica displayed poor workmanship and as the majority of unsatisfied customers said, the ball was not worth its price and it should have been priced lower than its retail rate. Many said that they were not going to buy the item again.

Verdict

The Adidas Brazuca Top Glider is an excellent soccer ball; however, its replica version was sub par and was not able to take the best qualities of the original. Even though its appearance was copied rather decently, the workmanship shown was poor at best.

If you really want a soccer ball that has pro game-level qualities, it is best that you invest in the genuine thing. You will surely get more value out of your money by investing in real goods.

If you would like to know what soccer ball sizes are right for kids, you’ve come to the right place.

For kids’ soccer games, the recommended sizes are 3, 4 and 5. By implementing the correct size for each age group, children will be apter and ready to progress and learn the skills that are needed in order to master the game.

If you want more information, you can refer to the coaches or the management of children’s soccer leagues regarding the kind of ball that is best for children. Usually, the appropriate ball will be based on the age of a child.

Size 1

Take note that there are also sizes 1 and 2. The size 1 balls are smaller balls that are mainly used for promotions. You will never see this ball used in a tournament or during practice. If you want to make your own soccer practice ground at home, you might benefit from this one. However, this is not good for team practices or anywhere outside the house.

Size 2

The size 2, meanwhile, is also used for promotions and as a souvenir or a gift. It can also be used for practice at home, but due to it being tricky to manage and juggle, this is just used by beginners in order to familiarize themselves with the ball.

Size 3

Kids from up to 7 years of age must make use of a size 3 soccer ball. If you want to determine the size of the ball, make sure to see the printed information that is provided on the ball itself. In case you cannot look for the print, a ball that is termed as a size 3 should have a circumference of 23-24 inches. Make use of an elastic measuring tape to determine the dimensions of the ball.

Size 4

Kids from 8 up to 12 years of age should make use of a size 4 ball for playing the game. A size 4 ball should have a circumference of 25-26 inches.

Size 5

Kids from 12 years and up should use a size 5 soccer ball. This particular size ball has a circumference of 27-28 inches. Size 5 balls are also the recommended size for adult and pro players. FIFA or the International Federation of Association Football applies tests to guarantee that the soccer ball meets the strict standards required by the game and said organization.

If you want a ball that has passed said standard, just look for a FIFA Approved or FIFA Inspected mark on the ball. Balls that have these markings have gone through a series of rigid tests for roundness, weight, rebound, circumference, loss of pressure, absorption, size and shape retention.

A ball that is weighted correctly guarantees a fair and pleasant competition. There are several factors that can affect the weight of a ball, which is the reason why FIFA has founded guidelines to cover them.

For instance, the organization sets air pressure, the quantity of air pressure that the balls are permitted to lose over the course of a play and even on grounds of water absorption, as mentioned earlier in the article. Balls that are size 4 and 5 should be pressurized to a 0.8 bar and it must not lose over 20 percent of air pressure and must take in less than 25 percent of the ball’s weight in water.

Kids do need to enhance handling the ball so employing the appropriate size and weight lets them practice their capabilities without any complications. For instance, playing with a ball that is too big and heavy might make dribbling the ball too hard for such young players.

In addition, kids should practice with a ball that is similar in size to the ball that they will employ during team practices and tournaments. Familiarity with the way how a ball moves and reacts will make it easier for kids to play well.

Soccer has many fans all over the world and many enjoy this sport better than basketball. This is 90 minutes of pure adrenaline and excitement, thus it has captured the attention of many sports fans world-wide.

The game is undertaken by over 220 million players all over the globe in more than 200 countries, thus it is considered as the world’s most popular sport. There is nothing more global than soccer. However, soccer is nothing without its primary ingredient, the soccer ball.

Its history dates back hundreds of years, with FIFA saying the game was practiced in China during the Han Dynasty. The ball that is utilized in the soccer matches was adapted from the rugby ball. The sport became so popular that individuals who enjoyed the game thought of improving the ball itself to make it more suitable to the conditions of the game.

What is an improved soccer ball made of then? Today, soccer balls are primarily made from rubber material. Hence, we all have to thank Charles Goodyear for bringing us the wonder of the material. Charles Goodyear is responsible for establishing the Goodyear Rubber Company, a firm famous for manufacturing rubber products from tires down to the popular Goodyear Blimp.

The man’s biggest contribution to the industry was his launching rubber and this led to him designing and creating the first vulcanized soccer ball in 1855.

But before the arrival of rubber soccer balls, the items were composed of leather strips that were sewed all over an inflatable bladder. The leather worked decently, but it easily succumbed to wear and tear due to the stress it undergoes during a game. It was not water-resistant as well. With the introduction of leather, the ball made from rubber was lighter, quicker, long-lasting and could tolerate plenty of stress.

Through the years, the ball has transformed and was upgraded constantly. As a matter of fact, massive engineering procedures and experimenting is credited with the overall design of soccer balls. There is huge money invested into this to guarantee that players will get to play the game without any hassles. Even the soccer ball model that Goodyear created is now considered a relic.

However, the man’s involvement in the history of the game is incontestable and essential to the general improvement of the game. Without his contribution, the sport could not have progressed the way it did. His input of engaging rubber in the production of the ball from the rubber blade located within the panels down to its external parts is an important facet in the history of the sport.

The first soccer ball was provided with a buckyball layout with 20 hexagonal shapes in white and 12 standard hexagonal shapes in black. This 32-panel design has turned into the benchmark for soccer balls. The selection of black and white coverings is for the ball to be seen clearly through a field of green, particularly on television airing.

There are plenty of soccer balls varieties. There are balls that are employed for kids’ tournaments and balls used for local games. These are made from artificial materials with just one layer. Items made from leather are also available, but they are more expensive.

Soccer balls come in a variety of weights as well; one can play with a lightweight or a heavier ball. There are also lots of new methods made known in the ball’s design in order to make the whole thing niftier.

Balls for soccer games today are made with even more layers. Adidas, in fact, created a soccer ball with a foam layer beneath the leather covering years back. The balls are manufactured cautiously so that the ball will be capable of moving fast and can swirl while moving in line with the force given to it.

Rotating kicks lead the ball to spin and move in a quick manner. The materials and the design utilized in constructing the ball settle its movements and efficiency during the game.

Now that you are familiar with the history and the workings of the soccer ball, you will begin to appreciate the game even more.

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